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The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Teaching Council (NTC), has launched the 2025 edition of the Ghana Teachers Prize in Accra, with a renewed commitment to improve the welfare and professional recognition of teachers.
The annual event, formerly known as the Best Teacher’s Award, recognises the contribution of hardworking and selfless teachers towards the improvement of education in the country through teacher-based innovation.
The launch, which took place in Accra yesterday, was on the theme: “Elevating the status of teachers for quality education.”
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, commended teachers’ dedication and sacrifices, stressing that no nation could succeed without quality education, and teachers remained pivotal to achieving that.
The minister announced plans for a national housing scheme for teachers, with pension funds as collateral to make affordable homes available for long-serving educators, in line with the government’s commitment to improving their welfare.
He appealed to corporate institutions to increase sponsorship of the Teachers Prize as part of their social responsibility.
The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, said teachers were the backbone of the education system, adding that their motivation and status had a direct impact on learning outcomes.
“Teachers not only deliver the curriculum but also nurture character, creativity, and discipline. Research shows that when teachers are valued and supported, learners thrive,” he said.
Prof. Davis also expressed concern about rising incidents of violence in schools, including attacks on teachers.
He said such acts would not be tolerated, and that GES was working with the Conference of Directors of Education and other stakeholders to strengthen disciplinary measures.
As part of the measures, the code of conduct would be reviewed to address school violence.
“Quality education cannot thrive in an environment where teachers are threatened or disrespected.
We will deal firmly with any attacks on teachers,” he said.
The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, acknowledged some challenges faced by teachers, including poor infrastructure, limited resources and heavy workloads.
He also entreated the government to address outstanding issues relating to teacher promotions and payment of allowances, including the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and data support allowances.
“A teacher opens the door of a classroom and closes the door of a prison.
Let’s all support our teachers so they can continue to shape a brighter future for the country,” Rev. Owusu added.
The NTC opened applications and nominations for the 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize in March and closed them in June. In all, 30 individuals were nominated.
The prize was open to all professionally trained teachers who were currently working in educational institutions, both public and private, and had served for at least five years.
Applicants were assessed against rigorous criteria designed to identify extraordinary teachers and educational workers who have made outstanding contributions to the profession.
